Wondering what to do with your old wax melts? In this post, you’ll find 8 clever ways to reuse them!
If you have leftover wax from those used wax cubes lying around your home or you are wondering what to do with your old wax melts, this post is for you!
I’ve not the type of person that likes to throw away things that can be useful nor do I like to contribute to environmental waste.
That’s why I like to find new ways to upcycle things that are used often (like repurposing old candle jars for example).
One of the everyday items that you might not realize can be given new life are your old wax melts or wax cubes.
Here are a few simple ways to reuse those old bits of wax and get them to meet your needs in everyday life.
First, Can I Reuse Wax Melts?
Unlike candles, wax melts don’t vaporize, even after multiple uses.
After using them for a while, all of the fragrance will eventually dissipate, and the scentless wax will be left behind in the wax warmer.
This leftover wax can be reused for other purposes.
For example, it can be re-melted to make new homemade wax melts or be used for DIY projects around the house. Below, you will even find some home improvement ideas for making your personal belongings work better or smell better!
What To Do With Old Wax Melts?
When it comes to upcycling, the idea is to use something you already have to make something else that is useful. Here are 8 ideas on how you can do just that.
1. Upcycle The Wax Into A New Candle (or New Melts)
Do you have old mason jars lying around in your home? Or have access to new jars?
Pouring wax into mason jars to make new aromatic candles can be the best way to upcycle them.
All you need are some pre-tabbed candle wicks and some fragrant oils and dyes.
First, use a hot glue gun to squeeze a drop of glue onto the bottom of the candle wick and stick it to the bottom of the jar.
Melt the leftover scraps of wax and add a few drops of essential oil to it for fragrance. You can also add the appropriate dyes to achieve your desired color. If needed, you can include new wax cubes to make the candle bigger. Just make sure to combine the same types of wax (e.g. soy with soy, beeswax with the same, paraffin wax with paraffin, etc).
Pour the mix into the candle jars around the new wick, and let it set.
Another idea is to use silicone molds or ice cube trays to make meltable wax molds in different shapes.
This is a great way to upcycle your old wax melts into gifts for your friends and family members!
2. DIY Your Own Fire Starters for the Campfire or Fireplace
How often have you struggled to start a fire in your fireplace or while you are out camping?
Making fire starters using old pieces of wax can save you a lot of time in these situations.
This home hack involves turning 3 types of household waste into something really useful.
With a paper egg carton, your dryer lint (which is super-flammable) and old wax melts, you can create homemade fire starters that can help you start your next campfire or fireplace fire in an instant!
Another popular option involves using pine cones instead of egg cartons.
3. Deodorize The House with Scented Pouches
Your cupboards and closets can get stuffy if they don’t receive enough fresh air and light.
A scented pouch can make your home smell fresh all year round.
Break and melt chunks of old wax into smaller pieces and then add essential oils or fragrance oils to enhance its aroma.
After the hot wax cools and hardens, place it in a paper towel or in old stockings, and hang them in your closets.
Next time you open your wardrobe, you will be welcomed by the lovely aroma.
4. Fix Things Around Your House
Wax can be a quick fix for various household annoyances.
Have a squeaky door? Rub old wax melts on the hinges to silence them.
Is the zipper of your jacket malfunctioning? Use old wax to lubricate the zipper teeth and then run the zipper up and down a few times to spread the wax evenly. Voila! No more annoyance.
5. Lubricate Stubborn Gliders When Friction Is A Problem
Natural soy wax can be used to fix stubborn drawer slides.
Remove the drawer, rub old wax evenly along the bottom, then replace the drawer and it should slide open much more easily.
This wax can also be used to smoothen the ride on your skates and sleds.
Rubbing wax on gummed-up casters and wheels can reduce friction and enable your sporting goods to glide more easily.
6. Preserve Bronze or Copper
If left outside for too long, bronze or copper items can oxidize and form a greenish color.
Wax can protect bronze and copper items from oxidizing.
Collect all of those old wax tarts, and rub them onto the metal surface. Then, use a soft cloth to spread the wax evenly.
Your metal goods will retain their glory for a much longer time!
7. Make Snow Shoveling a Breeze With A Stick-Proof Shovel
Prevent snow from clumping onto your metal shovel by rubbing it with old wax cubes or applying molten wax to it, before the winter snow arrives.
Then, the next time it snows, you won’t have to struggle when clearing sticky snow from your driveway.
The wax will give your shovel a stick-proof coating, and the snow will glide right off of your waxed shovel easily.
8. Create Wax Art
Love abstract art?
You can create a masterpiece on canvas by painting it with melted old wax.
Add different colors to the wax melts if you want to bring in color and vibrancy.
If you have old glass jars, you can decorate them by dripping colorful melted wax onto their outer sides. You will end up with containers decorated with unique designs, that you can use as pen holders, coffee table decor or as gifts.
read next : 9 Decluttering Checklists to make way for new beginnings
In Conclusion…
Wax melts are a great way to add aromatherapy and comfort to your home. But, the fun doesn’t have to end when the scent has all burnt out.
Save those scraps of wax and find a way to give them a new purpose.
I’d love to know what you make with your old wax melts!
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